I thought it was rather quiet round here. But hope you both had a good break away. Sounds like you enjoyed God`s creation. I`m going up the river with some ladies to have fellowship & sharing, soon. It`s winter here but not too cold yet. And you are about to have the 90`s, well that`s quite hot & humid as you said.

I thought it was rather quiet round here. But hope you both had a good break away. Sounds like you enjoyed God`s creation. I`m going up the river with some ladies to have fellowship & sharing, soon. It`s winter here but not too cold yet. And you are about to have the 90`s, well that`s quite hot & humid as you said.

All the best, Marilyn.

Hi Marilyn,

It's winter there that's a surprise. I pictured your weather being more like the tropics. I've thought of some good blogs but have not been motivated of late. LOL

With summer arriving we have a garden to tend, yard work and the list goes on. The internet has taken a back seat for a while here, I don't log on much so I missed your reply, thanks for writing it.

I made a career change and have more exposure to the public. Don't know yet what all the Lord has for me here, but I know I'm in His Will at this time.

Thanks again for writing tell Trev Hi. I met a guy today from England I thought he was Australian by his accent, but he told me he lives in America now, its too expensive in England to make a living he told me.

I think you are thinking of northern Australia which is constantly warm to hot & very hot. We live in southern Australia where the 4 seasons are quite distinct & I do enjoy them all. Trevor has cut a lot of wood & we now have a cheery fire going constantly which warms the house, night & day, & has also a place to cook on top & in the oven below.

I know what you mean about a break from too much chatting. Yes especially in your season there is so much to do. But I`m glad you can all get outside more as I remember when you were all talking about the pile up of snow & roads closed & you were all indoors for many days. We never have that here. (brrrrrr)

So when God brings up some more topics then we will be motivated to chat more. God bless & enjoy the sun, even if you are tidying up the garden. (I think those are sunglasses?)

This new job sounds just right for you with different challenges, meeting people & not swinging from the rafters. What was that 70 feet up in the air bit? Sounds dangerous to me.

All the best, Marilyn.

Hi Marilyn,

A lot of the homes now have very steep roof pitches, if you factor in the high ceilings and sometimes a second story it is easy to find yourself higher then 70 feet.

This includes installing plywood, felt paper, shingles, and ridge vents. I have worked in some homes that we had five scaffolds in one room and could not reach the very high ceilings, we were up there hanging trim. Its not that dangerous if everything is secure but its a lot of climbing up and down the scaffold to measure and cut trim boards.

The little community where I live is in an uproar over the neighbor who lives about a block away. The guy doesn't mow his grass, has high weeds everywhere, with old cars and parts of everything he's collected over the years laying in the yard. Along with this he has gangs of ducks and chickens that roam the streets. The neighbors are seriously talking about getting an attorney in on this.

I mean what is he going to do, start an anti duck and chicken committee? or maybe have someone monitor the weed growth?

Anyway I was thinking about this and remembered Jesus said to love your neighbor but the Lord did not add: only if he keeps his grass mowed. Of course the gossip has been flying with all kinds of strange accusations. They have called the police several times but what can the police do?

One evening when I came home from work the neighbor on the other side of me calls up to let me know I had ducks on the side of my house hanging out. It was the same ones who roam the streets.

It did not matter to me they were not vandalizing anything, but I went down and was able to meet this old gentlemen. I found he is not the dark lord Sauron growing orcs in his back yard like everyone is painting him to be.

Well to make a long story short I kind of like the guy and plan on visiting him again as he sits in his yard reading books by his campfire. I'll be moving in about a month and I was wondering what does everyone have against a few weeds anyway.

It's very hard to believe any bird can survive and will one day fly, when they spend so much time on the ground, when their young. This little Robin in our back yard cannot fly yet and hops around the yard. I saw the mother pulling worms out of the ground a couple of feet from the baby bird, as it watched how it was done.

We have a privacy fence so there is no threat from danger on the outside. But if the fence was not there I was thinking how can any bird make it in this world?

Its amazing to see this whole event take place. I'd love to see it fly, I'm tired of hearing the cat whining to go out, for one thing.

It makes you wonder though, what does God see when He looks upon the earth. With having to deal with all of humanity, and the creation as a whole. If it was not for God's hedge surrounding us could we survive as well?

How awesome is God? Lets take a billion people and think that if God knows the numbers of hair on every person's head, this is fantastic and its only a drop in a bucket concerning the vastness of God. Its beyond our comprehension to understand how big God really is. Does anybody else ever consider all the different things taking place on the earth within the created order? The very complex arena of the whole creation surviving each day. There is constant death and destruction, but life goes on.

Its only through Jesus that we can see the Father and know Him.

How important is reading His Word? It gives us a clear picture of how we can understand God by His Spirit.

It's interesting when we become Christians we find we don't fit in with the worldly crowd anymore. What they like, we disdain. We can all take courage that we serve the Living God and He is there to help us each step of the way. Even if "were" still hopping around on the earth like the little Robin and we like this one "Robin", have yet taken off in flight.

Great thoughts to think upon; I try (and it's not that hard) to daily observe life around me and see the glory of God in His creation. No, I don't think we could survive without God's hedge around us...for it's in Him we live and move and have our being.

Speaking of wildlife, Wed. morning just before dawn I had my windows open enjoying the cool night air and I heard something outside in the wooded area. I walked out on my balcony and there was a coyote sniffing around 15 ft below me; amazing how animals can adjust and survive with the ever expanding population of people, yet they do.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

I have been enjoying your thoughts on the wild life around. My story is while I was at my computer the other day I looked out the window & right there in front of me, only a few feet away was a red fox with a nice bushy tail. He walked past on his way to a group of trees.

Yes James it is amazing how close they come. But of course we are in the country, but still don`t expect to see them that close. I think a coyote & a fox are similar?

Thinking of you & Terese, Gary, as you go about the huge job of moving. May it be a new season in God`s care for you both.

I have been enjoying your thoughts on the wild life around. My story is while I was at my computer the other day I looked out the window & right there in front of me, only a few feet away was a red fox with a nice bushy tail. He walked past on his way to a group of trees.

Yes James it is amazing how close they come. But of course we are in the country, but still don`t expect to see them that close. I think a coyote & a fox are similar?

Thinking of you & Terese, Gary, as you go about the huge job of moving. May it be a new season in God`s care for you both.

Thanks Marilyn,

I did not realize how much of a pack rat I had become. I'm trying to pitch and give away a ton of stuff to other pack rats. There are so many things that we accumulate in life and you don't want to throw it away because you might use it someday is the thinking, which generally never comes around.

Concerning coyotes and foxes, the coyotes around here are more like large or sometimes skinny german shepherds with a brown coat. Foxes are much smaller with a red coat. We have coyotes here that run in packs and sometimes kill farmers animals for food so their considered a nuisance and are hunted down.

About a year ago someone took pictures with a game cam showing a mountain lion living not to far from here. I was going to town awhile back and there was a mountain lion or a bobcat that crossed the road and jumped across the railing. Its rare anyone sees the big cats they are very elusive, I was blessed I got to see it but it happened so fast I could not tell what type exactly it was.

James I could just picture you setting on that big balcony enjoying some coffee, while enjoying nature.

I read a scripture awhile back that said, God will destroy those who destroyed the earth. It kind of leaped out at me while reading it.

Anyway have a blessed week, I won't be shutting down until about three weeks from now we have a lot of packing still to do and we use the computer for online banking and all that stuff.

I saw on the morning news a story titled, "An Attitude of Gratitude", where in North Carolina a independantly owned resturant was giving a 15% discount to customers who prayed before their meals. The owner said it wasn't a 'religious thing' but that she just want to show her appreciation for people who were gratiful for their food. Of course somebody will pitch a fit about it and boycott them or file a lawsuit against them.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

Finishing up our packing and will be shutting down soon to move not that anyone may be interested.

Appreciate any prayers for strength and God's speed in this move.

One last thing: I have never seen a summer this nice in my life. The weather has been perfect, cool at night and not to hot in the daytime. We have had some polar air sweep in a few times which has helped. I read the other day that farmers are going to have a bumper crop this year because of the weather.

It almost looks like fall here with things starting to turn colors in places and it feels like it as well.

Hope everyone is doing fine, if your still out there reading these rare and occasional posts.

Yes some of us are still here. And I am interested in how you are getting on. Will pray for your big move & looking forward to hearing of your new (to you) home & area.

Glad to hear the farmers are having a good year. That helps all of us. Trevor & I have been farm sitting for friends on holiday. We are now back home & can`t wait to get over this cold weather. Looking forward to Spring.

Hope everyone is doing fine, if your still out there reading these rare and occasional posts.

Lord Bless,
Gary

Looks like "off line" is the right observation. I am so thankful for having been lead to this forum, I've been blessed in coming to know the few brothers and sisters who frequent the forum and share of God's work in their lives. Far more have came and left than have stuck around, and I know there are those who just enjoy reading along. I don't know if The Lord is done with this medium or if we aren't being diligent in seeking Him concerning postine edifying encouragement from His Word. I know I haven't felt lead to share lately; I don't know if it's me or everyone, but seems interest has faded. Either way, I'm grateful for what I've recieved through OvercomersOnline and especially William's generousity in providing the site. Hopefully it's not the end, but God's will be done.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

Hope everyone is doing fine, if your still out there reading these rare and occasional posts.

Lord Bless,
Gary

Looks like "off line" is the right observation. I am so thankful for having been lead to this forum, I've been blessed in coming to know the few brothers and sisters who frequent the forum and share of God's work in their lives. Far more have came and left than have stuck around, and I know there are those who just enjoy reading along. I don't know if The Lord is done with this medium or if we aren't being diligent in seeking Him concerning postine edifying encouragement from His Word. I know I haven't felt lead to share lately; I don't know if it's me or everyone, but seems interest has faded. Either way, I'm grateful for what I've recieved through OvercomersOnline and especially William's generousity in providing the site. Hopefully it's not the end, but God's will be done.

I thought the same thing. Its good to know there are Christians out there who are still wanting to go a little deeper then John 3:16. In reality there may be a bunch of them on this earth but sometimes it seems like a lonely journey. While Jesus did say strait is the gate and narrow is the way and few there be who find it.

I partially lost interest but on the other hand I like the idea of having contact with like minded believers. I say that thinking we all want to understand and know the Lord to our fullest potential even though we see some things different, in the final analysis the only thing that matters is what God wants for us.

Maybe the Lord is giving us all time to reflect. I don't know if the older you get you become a little bit wiser in the things of God because were all getting closer to crossing over the river to the other side, or God is wanting to draw us closer to Him.

I feel like I understand somethings better then what I use to think about spiritual things. I was driving to work recently and realized what a struggle sometimes it is to walk in Christianity in this world and not end up conforming. Then I thought about the Lord. In heaven they sing how worthy He is because He came here and conquered the flesh and let cruel men crucify Him. That was no easy thing to do especially when you have the power to stop it at any time.

That is true "love" in action, and one day we will cast our crowns at His feet because He made the way for us to go there and be with Him.

Forsaking all is what is expected and He is worthy to require this of men. The reality is seeing they see but cannot see and hearing they hear and cannot hear. We have to desire to want to see and hear and then pursue the things of God and He will help us with this on our journey.

If you think about it Heaven is the final reality while this life will one day be like a dream. Hey I apologize if some of this sounds new agey but its the best way I can explain it for now.

I'm still going through just the gospels, I just feel like that is what I should do. I want to really understand what Jesus is saying to us. This is the portion of scripture where God is speaking His mind to His people in person, while He is here on the earth in the flesh. In a sense were getting the strait scoop from the Living God, not that the other parts of scripture are as important but I hope you understand what I am trying to convey. Eventually I'll move on but for now this is where the Lord has me. It has been quite rewarding I must say.

Well I woke up early this morning, I only need five or six hours sleep anymore and felt like writing and was glad you had a note here James. Now that I wrote something I don't know where to stop and can't shut up. LOL

I better start getting ready for work you have a good week in the Lord. Its going to get crazy for me here soon for a few weeks and I'm trying not to think about it just taking a day at a time. I had not realized how much of a pack rat I have become until now. I keep thinking of that old song by Michael Card, where he sings: "Its hard to imagine the freedom we see when we leave our things behind". So much truth there in that song. I'm learning some lessons in this move I hope they stick with me and I don't fall back into the same rut if you know what I mean.

Moving isn't any fun (imho) but getting anxious and stressing doesn't help either. Just take it a day at a time, box up what you want to keep and call a charity thrift store to come get the rest. When I went from a three bedroom house to 850 sq. ft. apartment 10 years ago I gave away several truck loads of stuff(or threw away); and have made it just as well on far less. It is amazing how much 'stuff' we can pack away over time. The work you and your wife are having to do now will probably serve as a reminder in the future when the temptation to 'keep' something nonessential comes up. lol

Have you found a new house or a new city to live in?

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

Yes we will move to a smaller home closer to work its on the outskirts of town about 45 minutes from here, its in a wooded area but close to work and town. Bloomington is a fairly large town but not big like Indy. There's two universitys there and I think that is what drives the economy in that area. Today we will go to the closing. Being a former carpenter I like the idea of owning versus renting. But I can see where renting frees up even more time which can be a good thing. We have been spending around 500.00 a month on gas to drive to work where we presently live and it was like another bill every month. Now were minutes from work. I have the minimum coverage on my truck and it will go lower in price if I'm driving under 7500 miles a year. Anyway our cost of living will go way down.

Speaking of charity thrift stores. I tried to give them a complete encyclopedia set recently. They refused to take it because no one uses them anymore. Even the local library would not take them. I had to take them to be recycled but it was hard to see them destroyed they had a room there that you could put things in and people could pick through it and take home anything they wanted. I hope someone got the set it was a nice one. Everyone uses the internet now to get information. Books may one day be obsolete. I know people who don't have Bibles but they use an ipad to read the Bible. Seems strange. I remember reading a fiction once I think it was called fahrenheit 451, not for sure on that but I think there was something in there about destroying books. Can't remember the details either, I could be wrong. Just googled it, it was about burning all the books.

Well they probably won't burn them they'll just become obsolete with ipads as the new wave.

I've not listened to much news but what little I have heard makes me wonder about this Isis group that William wrote about a while back. How can people be so brutal concerning other human beings?

If anything it shows the depravity of man at his worst. I know these journalists are taking a risk going to these places. I think it would be better to report on something else in a safer area. They must get huge sums of money to even want to go where these masked hoodlums live.

The worlds a very dangerous place these days. Thankfully we have the Lord who is our shield. James I don't know if we fully realize how blessed we are in knowing the Lord chose us before the foundation of the world.

On the books, I must confess to getting on the kindle bandwagon. You can take it anywhere and not just one but thousands! I've got an older model that has 3g access so anywhere I can get a cell connection, I can get to my books.

The book of Job... now that's a good book to have on hand. It's said to be the oldest book in the world and even secular folks sing its praises.

I only mention it because that's where I've been living for the last month or so (not having a Job type trial, mind you, just studying the book!)

On the books, I must confess to getting on the kindle bandwagon. You can take it anywhere and not just one but thousands! I've got an older model that has 3g access so anywhere I can get a cell connection, I can get to my books.

The book of Job... now that's a good book to have on hand. It's said to be the oldest book in the world and even secular folks sing its praises.

I only mention it because that's where I've been living for the last month or so (not having a Job type trial, mind you, just studying the book!)

Blessings,
William

Hi William,

Remember as a kid they use to tell us, don't set to close to the TV it will ruin your eyes. I don't know if you guys heard that one down there. But I remember adults telling us that when we were younger. In today's world kids are looking at a screen 24/7.

I definitely can see the advantage of not having to store volumes of books, after a while you run out of book cases to store them all, if your an avid reader it becomes a problem. We have a book store in town that sells hardback books for a dollar each. Over the last several months I've read over a dozen books I got there and now I'm stuck with all these books and no where to put them. I'd send them to James but he's probably already read them.

I can see the advantage of switching to reading on one of these devices. My problem now is I'm "Ipad, Kindle", illiterate. I don't know which device is best to use.

Does the device connect to the internet through wifi* and which is better color or black and white? I hear some people don't care for color and others swear by it. Also are you flooded with advertisements while using the kindle? While I'm at it, what is the difference between a kindle and an ipad, can both be used for just reading?

As you can see I don't know anything about all this. I can get kindle books on my laptop and I read a portion of a freebie recently but they wanted hard earned cash to finish the book.

I never have looked into this because I thought it was probably just a small laptop which I already have.

I do like all the technology.

I had a situation recently where I ran into a older German couple who barely could speak English. I have an app on my smart phone which translates any language, it will even write it out while speaking the language. Anyway I was able to talk to these people using the phone to translate and they could talk to me.

They got a kick out of it and was all smiles when they left. I have been impressed with what these phones are capable of doing on the other hand I think there deadly in a car because it becomes a distraction. Its very tempting to be playing with these while driving. I stand guilty on this.

Never got into Job much, the conversations with his friends always seemed very long and I would lose interest. It reminded me of the begats, who begat who.

Lord Bless,
Gary

*I know it connects to wifi but is there some separate fee you have to pay to use it?, is what I meant.

I haven't ever used an ipad so I can't comment on whether or not it would be better than a kindle but from what I've heard the kindle is better if you are just going to be reading books.

Most of the family have kindle fires which allow you to do things on the internet (like post here, read email, etc.). The kindle fires have a bright colorful screen and are essentially small tablet internet notebooks. The're good for reading and surfing the internet.

However, what I have is an older kindle 3g model. It has a built in keyboard and you can go on the internet in a pinch (read email, surf, etc.) but it really isn't a great tool for that. It is great at one thing though, and that is reading books. It doesn't have a bright screen (it is black and white, just like paper) and at night you will need an external light (just like a book).

There are literally thousands of free books for the kindle and you can also buy almost anything from Amazon (although not all books have been converted to kindle as of yet!).

I have a program called Calibre that keeps track of all my books, not just the ones from Amazon, but all of the pdf-books that I've downloaded.

My kindle 3g will last approximately 40 hours on a charge if I'm using it... it doesn't use any of its battery power when not in use. (The kindle fires won't last nearly as long).

The 3g model that I have also has wifi that I can use when I'm in range of a wifi signal but the 3g kicks in when there is no signal to be found. If you have an Amazon account all of the books you have there can be transfered to your kindle (and still be available to be read via your pc).

Hope this inspires you to get one, you'll love it!

If you want to spend .99 cents, there is a great book on sale now from Amazon called: Jesus on Every Page. I highly recommend it... here is the link (if you are interested):

I don't know if I agree with all this government conspiracy thinking going around. Not that any government is perfect. Some of it sounds so bizarre.

I must have missed something, what's with the 'conspiracy thinking', something on the tv news? If you hadn't forgotten what you're talking about the next time you 'drop in', you can elaborate on what you're thinking...lol

I cringe to think I might have missed out on the latest news, especially something as important as government conspiracy theories...lol

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

I don't know if I agree with all this government conspiracy thinking going around. Not that any government is perfect. Some of it sounds so bizarre.

I must have missed something, what's with the 'conspiracy thinking', something on the tv news? If you hadn't forgotten what you're talking about the next time you 'drop in', you can elaborate on what you're thinking...lol

I cringe to think I might have missed out on the latest news, especially something as important as government conspiracy theories...lol

Its hard to put in words here. I mainly am talking about this scenario: I ran into some Christians the other day and they were going on and on about the stuff the government is planning on doing. For instance I don't know if you heard about this tell that the government is building large prisons (which now stand empty), all over the country and they the government are one day planning on filing it with Christians. That's just one example among many things I have been hearing, some are convinced of certain future events that they have no proof that it is going to happen.

Not to change the subject but I watched an open forum last night about a conversation of what happened in ferguson and that whites need to do more. While I realize there has been some problems I think the black population is making a bigger issue of what is taking place then what is there.

When a black cop shoots a white guy we don't go out and protest and start talking racism is going on. If the white guy is a thief or druggie he probably deserved it or provoked the cop to shoot him.

There is a problem in this country that unless people forgive what happened in the past it will always be a wound to some that will never heal.

Very surprised at the show I saw and I think the media tries to fuel all of this so they can have some juicy story to report each week. The media seems to love all of this finger pointing at white cops.

I guess there have always been people who through fear look at the world with distorted vision. Conspiracies are real (Satan is always conspiring to destroy Christians by whatever means available), but today we have these people who move to Montana and Idaho storing up guns and years of food supplies thinking they'll be survivalist when the 'government' starts collapsing. Actually they aren't all living in those states, many are living all around us, motivated and controlled by fear they constantly worry about the future.

I'm thankful that Jesus is my shield and buckler, my redeemer and deliverer; He has ordained all things and nothing will happen without His allowance for my good. I wouldn't trade the peace of God for all the Uzi's in the world or a thousand year supply of food...In the end their preparations won't save them.

Proverbs 3:5-6

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

I guess there have always been people who through fear look at the world with distorted vision. Conspiracies are real (Satan is always conspiring to destroy Christians by whatever means available), but today we have these people who move to Montana and Idaho storing up guns and years of food supplies thinking they'll be survivalist when the 'government' starts collapsing. Actually they aren't all living in those states, many are living all around us, motivated and controlled by fear they constantly worry about the future.

I'm thankful that Jesus is my shield and buckler, my redeemer and deliverer; He has ordained all things and nothing will happen without His allowance for my good. I wouldn't trade the peace of God for all the Uzi's in the world or a thousand year supply of food...In the end their preparations won't save them.

Funny, in Alabama I grind flax seed and sprinkle in my yogurt, for health benefits...in Colorado they sprinkle pot in their brownies, for health benefits.

David Wilkerson predicted in his vision from the Lord that this would one day take place in America. At the time he shared the vision it seemed far fetched. I'm talking about legalization.

I saw a picture a while back with a long line of people in Colorado lined up wanting to try pot, some for the first time, sad thing was it was all older gray haired people who were dressed very conservative looking.

Leaves are barely starting to turn colors here and we are getting a lot of fall rains with the temperature dropping in the sixties in the day time. There's a town a few miles from here which is a tourist trap they call it little Gatlinburg, but its real name is Nashville. They have thousands of people go through the town during the month of October because of all the shops and the fall colors. The State Park there is rated 2nd to Yellow Stone State Park because of all the colors in the fall.

We like going there at least one weekend the local fireman set up a fish tent and they have the best fish sandwiches.

I think its going to be a real colorful fall this year because of the mild cool summer we had this year.

P.S. I might try the flax seed deal in Yogurt, I like putting them in my oatmeal.

You didn't ask, but I'll tell you anyway...the way I enjoy my healthy midmorning snack.

I take 1/2 cup plain yogurt and mix it with 1/2 cup kefir (strawberry or blueberry ), add a banana and some blueberries, and sprinkle with fresh ground flax seed
(I enjoy grinding them in an old granite mortar and pestle daily because they dry out and lose their omega-3 potency quickly when store bought already ground.)

When Alabama legalizes marijuana maybe I'll add a little kick to it by incorporating some 'herbs'...lol

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

That's a new one on me. Never heard of that before. Sounds like something from a health food store.

I went to a Chinese restaurant recently and noticed something that was thin black and the size of a half dollar all through my food. It was real thin and had a jelly like texture almost like it was alive. I called the waitress over and asked her; What is that?

She smiled and said: Why are you scared? I told her just a little. It turns out it was some type of mushroom. I had never seen it before.

I ate it but reluctantly.

I don't mind trying new foods but some I abstain from especially when it comes to raw fish or meat.

Since you didn't ask I thought I'd throw that out to ya. LOL

Well I better get going, cannot sit very long, going through a little back trial. I lifted something I should not have, got in to big of a hurry I guess.

Kefir is somewhat like yogurt, in that it has live bacteria that is good for the digestive tract, But it has many, many times more probiotics (or so 'they' say...lol) It has been around for thousands of years and tastes a bit tart and sweet at the same time (some compare the taste to buttermilk). I have been drinking it for about a year (but eating yogurt for 30+ yrs) I like the fruit flavored, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, or peach. It usually can be found at Walmart and any grocery store from $2.50 a 32 oz. bottle, I can get about 6 servings from a bottle by mixing it with yogurt, or 3-4 when I just drink it by itself. It's good just as a refreshing drink or with fruits and granola. I think maybe I'm hooked on it as some people are on coffee.

Google it and check it out if you enjoy yogurt...Lifeway makes the kind I always get, but I'm sure there are other companies making and marketing it.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

Kefir is somewhat like yogurt, in that it has live bacteria that is good for the digestive tract, But it has many, many times more probiotics (or so 'they' say...lol) It has been around for thousands of years and tastes a bit tart and sweet at the same time (some compare the taste to buttermilk). I have been drinking it for about a year (but eating yogurt for 30+ yrs) I like the fruit flavored, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, or peach. It usually can be found at Walmart and any grocery store from $2.50 a 32 oz. bottle, I can get about 6 servings from a bottle by mixing it with yogurt, or 3-4 when I just drink it by itself. It's good just as a refreshing drink or with fruits and granola. I think maybe I'm hooked on it as some people are on coffee.

Google it and check it out if you enjoy yogurt...Lifeway makes the kind I always get, but I'm sure there are other companies making and marketing it.

Hi James,

I googled it and it sounds like interesting stuff. It said it was made from goat, cow, or "camel's" milk. I thought when I first seen this word it sounded a bit Arabic.

My wife said she had tried it but did not like the taste. A lot of stuff she does not like I like. So I might give it a try. I told her you used the flavored ones and they might taste better.

Lifeway was one of the main ones that popped up when I googled this stuff.

It amazes me the information you can get on the internet. I had problems with a ball joint on my truck they wanted 250.00 to fix it but when I googled it I could not believe how simple it was to change so I got the part for 50.00 and bought a torx wrench for 10.00 and fixed it myself. Its ran great ever since. Sometimes its a matter of having the right tool for the job.

We've got probably ten or more health food stores in town. That's a big thing in this area. I'll check and see if they carry Kefir which I'm sure they do. We only have one mega Walmart here in town and its a hassle fighting the crowds to get in.

It's hard to believe its October already. It seemed like the summer flew by. At our new place we have deer in the yard everyday, I saw a red fox cross the road the other morning and everyone says the coyote are thick around here. One guy said they spotted a bob cat as well. I love this wooded area its a nice change from were we lived. We have large hundred year Oaks in our yard. The woods around here has not been cut or harvested for lumber. Were a mile from town so its kind of neat. I'm not much of a city boy, I love the countryside a lot better.

I started to read a book about Saint Francis of Asissi. I guess that's spelled right. He was quite a character. I had heard a quote by him something to the effect that: "the way a man treats an animal is how he will treat his fellow man." I had always thought this as well. So I thought I might look into this guys history and see what took place.

Yes I have been keeping up with the Islamic State, & that will be the post I will be writing. Should be an interesting discussion. Hope to finish it this week-end.

By the way, the West does also have `savage` aspects to their past. They try to say `civilized,` but there are horrendous happenings through out history from all mankind as well as courageous deeds from others. Have just read another book on the Burma railway (WW2) from a doctor, & the inhumanity to man as we well know, is shocking. And it is only going to get worse.

I guess its just the shock of hearing about it taking place on the world news, beheading people sounds a bit barbaric.

But on the other hand, I am reminded that Christianity was involved in the Crusades. They even had a children's crusade which many of the kids lost their lives while traveling to Jerusalem.

Maybe this is why the Bible reads there is none righteous no not one. Also strive to enter in the narrow gate because few their be that enter. If we knew all of the facts, Christian history has a violent past as well. America is suppose to be a Christian nation but we're the ones making all the sophisticated weapons and then selling them to the world.

James is probably the chef in this conversation I'm not the best cook out there. Teresa and me grow a lot of our own vegetables as well, and she is getting into culinary herbs for flavoring the food.

Are you guys done with winter?
Gary

I do a lot of cooking but I don't think I'd be considered a chef. I grew my veggies for years when I lived in a house with backyard, nothing better for you than fresh organic food. And that The Lord allows us to witness the maturation from seed to harvest and then to enjoy the fruits of that is a special blessing. Using fresh herbs can really add flavor to a dish, plus there are plenty of health benefits in spices and herbs. I like to go to Whole Foods and buy spices in bulk (much cheaper and their products are fresher and usually organic).

It's cooled off here this week, it was 40 last Sunday morning. Fall is a beautiful time of year with the leaves changing and cool crisp mornings with the smell of oak wood burning in fireplaces drifting about. Throw in some SEC football and barbeque and there ya go.

Trivia question: Mississippi State is currently ranked #1 in college football, when was the last time that has happened?

Answer: Never!

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."